Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu on 11 March 2026 to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹16,400 crore. The initiatives span sectors such as infrastructure, energy, transport, and industrial development, aiming to boost economic growth and connectivity in the two southern states.
Major Projects in Kerala
The Prime Minister will begin his visit in Ernakulam, Kerala, where projects worth around ₹10,800 crore will be launched. These projects include infrastructure upgrades, industrial developments, and renewable energy initiatives.
One of the key highlights is the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at BPCL’s Kochi Refinery, with an investment of more than ₹5,500 crore and a capacity of 400 kilo tonnes per annum. The unit is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing for industries such as packaging, textiles, medical devices, and automotive components.
In the renewable energy sector, the foundation stone will also be laid for a 50 MW floating solar project at West Kallada in Kollam district, which will contribute to India’s clean energy expansion.
Several infrastructure projects will also be launched, including:
- Six-laning of the Thalapady–Chengala section of NH-66, part of the Mumbai–Kanyakumari economic corridor.
- Upgrading the Kozhikode Bypass (Vengalam–Ramanattukara) to six lanes, significantly reducing travel time.
- Development of 23 rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Railway infrastructure will also receive a boost with the redevelopment of Shoranur Junction, Kuttippuram, and Changanassery railway stations, electrification of the Shoranur–Nilambur railway line, and the launch of a new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi.
Development Projects in Tamil Nadu
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will travel to Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, where projects worth around ₹5,650 crore will be launched. These projects will focus on petroleum and gas infrastructure, transport connectivity, and rural development.
Key projects include:
- Foundation stone for BPCL’s city gas distribution networks in The Nilgiris and Erode districts, which will supply piped natural gas to more than 8.8 lakh households and set up over 200 CNG stations.
- Development of an IOCL lube blending plant in Chennai with a capacity of 672 thousand metric tonnes per annum.
- Construction of 89 rural roads covering 370 km under PMGSY.
- A greenfield bypass near Gangaikonda Cholapuram on NH-81 to improve highway connectivity.
The Prime Minister will also flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, two express trains, and a passenger service, improving rail connectivity across several states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and eastern India.
Boost to Regional Development
The projects are expected to enhance infrastructure, strengthen industrial capacity, and improve transport connectivity in southern India. They are also likely to generate employment opportunities and support economic growth in both states.
Overall, the ₹16,400-crore investment reflects the government’s continued focus on modern infrastructure, clean energy expansion, and regional development across India.
